As the mercury dips during cold winter months, construction workers can face serious health risks including hypothermia and frostbite. Prolonged exposure to freezing or cold temperatures requires a proactive safety plan–including recognizing the signs of winter-related injuries. These can include uncontrolled shivering, clumsy movements and fatigue.
To prevent slips, trips, and falls, employers should clear snow and ice from walking surfaces, and spread deicer, as quickly as possible after a winter storm.
OSHA also recommends the following common sense precautions to protect workers in cold environments:
- Train workers about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
- Encourage workers to wear proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions, including layers that can be adjusted to changing conditions.
- Be sure workers in extreme conditions take a frequent short break in warm dry shelters to allow their bodies to warm up.
- Try to schedule work for the warmest part of the day.
- Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
- Use the buddy system – work in pairs so that one worker can recognize danger signs.
- Eat warm, high-calorie foods.
- Workers face increased risks when they take certain medications, are in poor physical condition or suffer from illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease.
Weather related incidents are always a concern, and whether it be snow, wind or ice, precaution is always the best policy. For more information on keeping workers safe during the season, contact our offices at Diversified Safety Services.
